Mahabharata Tales for Kids 1: Mahabharata was scribed by Ganesha as recited by Veda Vyasa

Mahabharata, the great epic story, was contemplated by the sage Veda Vyasa. These epic poems were scribed by Lord Ganesha as recited by Veda Vyasa. This puranic tale was retold to king Janamejayan, one of the descendants of Kuru dynasty. King Janamejaya disseminated this story to the mass. It reached well to the common people. I have made an attempt to narrate Ganesha – Vyasa episode for kids to understand. If you like this kindly leave your comments. Criticisms will also improve my writing.

Ganesha is the popular Hindu god. You will find his idols everywhere in India. Look at his idol. Have you noted that Ganesha has an elephant head and the human body? His belly looks like a pot. His elephant head shows long trunk and the single tusk at his right side. Elephants normally will get two tusks. Have you ever wondered why Ganesha appear with only one tusk? There is a story to explain this.

The story is related to Mahabharata and to the sage Veda Vyasa. Vyasa contemplated the Mahabharata story and wanted to narrate. The sage already compiled eighteen Hindu Puranas. By the power of his penance, Vyasa analyzed all Vedas and compiled and organized into four parts. So the sage was given the title as Veda Vyasa.

Sage Parasara was Vyasa’s father. He only composed the famous Vishnu Purana, the first Purana of the Hindu pantheon. Satyavati was Vyasa’s mother. Matsyagandha (Fisher Woman with fishy smell) was her alternate name. Child Vyasa was born in the middle of an island of river Yamuna. The child had a dark complexion. Therefore he was named as Krishna Dwaipayana. Some believe Vyasa had some godly features of Vishnu.

Brahma himself tutored him at his young age. At an older age, Vyasa meditated the story of Mahabharata. He wanted to write the story in poems (Slokas) for people to read. So he performed penance to Brahma. Brahma appeared before Vyasa. Vyasa prayed Brahma. He also requested his blessings and help to write Mahabharata. Brahma advised him to approach Ganesha for such help. Ganesha is noted for his intelligence. So with Ganesha’s blessings and support Mahabharata story can be composed easily.

On hearing, Vyasa also performed penance to Ganesha. Ganesha was pleased by his devotion. He appeared before Vyasa and inquired about his solemn request. Vyasa appealed for Ganesha’s blessings and his help in writing Mahabharata. At once Ganesha has agreed to write Vyasa’s rendition. Both seated before each other.

Vyasa politely said, “Oh Lord Ganesha, my salutation. I have meditated and contemplated the Mahabharata story. I will narrate now. Please write!”

“I will write the story of Mahabharata in poems (slokas). But I have one condition. My stylus should not stop even for a minute,” Ganesha instantly answered.

Vyasa said, “Oh Lord you may continue to write Mahabharata until you understand the meaning of the story as narrated through poems (slokas).”

Ganesha readily agreed. Vyasa recited and Ganesha proceeded to write at a fast speed. Suddenly the stylus of Ganesha was broken. Ganesha never stopped for want of stylus. So he broke his left tusk and continued to write. Thus the Mahabharata story was completed. After this Ganesha was left with only one tusk. It is his right tusk. So people started calling Ganesha as “Ekadanta” (Meaning: single tusked god).

Well! Do you know what happened to the story of Mahabharata after this? This story was orally retold by Vyasa to his son Suka Brahma Rishi.

Suka Brahma Rishi, in turn, retold this story to Gandharvas and Rakshasas..

Narada retold this Devas…

Vaishampayana, the disciple of Vyasa, retold this to King Janamejaya, the Pandava heir who ruled from Hastinapura. Do you know who is this King Janamejayan? Janamejayan was the son of King Parikshit and grandson of King Abhimanyu as well as the great-grandson of Arjuna.  Janamejayan was instrumental in spreading the story to the public. It was from this point, the story being retold by men and women to their near and dear.

Now I am retelling this story to the beloved kids.